Gas Vehicles

The full counties of Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson and portions of Adams, Arapahoe, Larimer, and Weld counties require a passing emission test to register a vehicle. If you are unsure if a test is required in your area, please contact your local county motor vehicle office.

AirCare Colorado has a tool to view the last two emission inspections on a particular gas vehicle.

The 2017 emissions requirements for a gasoline vehicle

Model Year

Gas or Hybrid

Frequency of Test

Testing Fee

2017 Gas Emissions Requirements

2017

Exempt

n/a

n/a

2016

Exempt

n/a

n/a

2015

Exempt

n/a

n/a

2014

Exempt

n/a

n/a

2013

Exempt

n/a

n/a

2012

Exempt

n/a

n/a

2011

Renewals are Exempt

n/a

n/a

Need test if transfer of ownership

Every two years

$25.00

1986-2010

Need test

Every two years

$25.00

1976-1985

with Collector Plates

Need test

Every five years

1976-1981 = $15.00

1982-1985 = $25.00

1976-1985

without Collector Plates

Need test

1976-1981 = Annually

1976-1981 = $15.00

1982-1985 = Every two years

1982-1985 = $25.00

1976 or newer

Grandfathered*

Exempt

n/a

n/a

1975 and older

with Collector Plates

Exempt

n/a

n/a

1975 and older

without Collector Plates

Need test

Annually

$15.00

*Vehicles model year 1976 or newer that have been registered as a "collector's item" prior to September 1, 2009, and the registration has never lapsed or expired.

1982-and-newer vehicles: An emissions test is required every two years for vehicles more than seven model years old. Your vehicle registration renewal postcard will state whether or not a test is required, or if your vehicle has qualified for the roadside emissions test. Fee is $25.

Change of ownership: An emissions test is required when a vehicle is sold or its ownership changes. The seller is responsible or obtaining the test. A vehicle dealer may offer customers a voucher enabling the buyer to obtain a test. The dealer is responsible for repairing or repurchasing the vehicle if it fails the emissions test, but the consumer must return the vehicle to the dealer within 3 days of the purchase.

Commuters: Vehicles registered outside the region but driven into the nine-county area for 90 or more days per year for work or school must have an emissions test.

New MSO (Manufacturer Statement of Origin) vehicles purchased from a dealer are exempt from emissions testing for seven years.

Important Notice: Be sure your vehicle is due for an emissions test before going to an Air Care Colorado testing station.

State regulation requires testing stations to test all vehicles that are presented for testing. No refunds can be given for emissions tests on vehicles that were not actually due for a test. If you are not sure, call the Air Care Colorado Hotline or your local county motor vehicle office for information.

Exemptions

Vehicles are exempt from an emissions test for the first seven model years. However, there is an exception. If vehicle ownership is being transferred in the last year of the seven-year exemption, an emissions test will be required. For example, in 2017, an emissions test will be required if the ownership of a model year 2011 vehicle is being transferred.

Vehicles model years 1975-and-older can be registered as "collector's items" with no emissions inspection requirement or mileage restriction. However, if the vehicle is not specifically registered as a "collector's item," an emissions inspection is required every year.

Vehicles model year 1976 to 1984 that have been registered as a "collector's item" prior to Sept. 1, 2009, and the registration has never lapsed or expired, do not require an emissions inspection and there is no mileage restriction. If the vehicle has not previously been registered as a "collector's item," an emissions inspection is required every year.

Vehicles at least 32 years old are eligible for "collector's item" registration. However, in order to register as a "collector's item," these vehicles will require an initial emissions inspection and then must be inspected every five years thereafter at the time of registration renewal. These vehicle have a mileage restriction limiting driving to no more than 4,500 miles per year. If the vehicle is being registered in a county that does not require an emissions inspection, only the mileage restriction applies.

Does my hybrid require an inspection?

Yes, as of January 2017 gasoline/electric hybrid vehicles model year 2010 and older are inspected.

Obtain an emissions test if the statement "Emissions Test is Required" appears on the vehicle registration renewal notice

Submit the Certificate of Emissions Control (the bottom third of your passing emission test) with your registration fee to your county motor vehicle office. Check with your county for any additional requirements.

If you have a question about whether you need a test in Adams, Arapahoe, Larimer, or Weld County contact your local DMV office at the number below.

Adams (720) 523-6010

Arapahoe (303) 795-4500

Larimer (970) 498-7878

Weld (970) 353-3840

Smoking Vehicle Hotline

How do I report a smoking vehicle?

If you have seen a vehicle emitting excessive smoke you may report it to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment by calling the smoking vehicle hotline at 303-692-3211 or via email at cdphe.smokeline@state.co.us